Commercial tobacco has evolved in some ways over the years, from loose tobacco and regular cigarettes to menthols, chew, flavored cigars, orbs, and e-cigs, among many other products. One thing that hasn’t changed is the historic targeting and abuse of Black and other communities by the tobacco industry. It can be said that it’s the Same Game, just Different Smokers. We have brought the story to Menasha.
The national exhibition, Same Game Different Smokers, is an exploration of the troubling 400+ year relationship between the tobacco industry and Black America, and the tobacco industry’s propensity to utilize time-tested tactics to target other groups. Developed and curated by artist and artivist Tracy Brown, the exhibit examines the connections between the Tobacco Industry’s role in the birth and evolution of slavery in America, targeted marketing through the decades, and the over promotion of menthol cigarettes and now e-cigarettes to African Americans, LGBTQ+, Latinx, youths and other groups.
The exhibition is sponsored by the Wisconsin Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program, its national partner the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network. Same Game Different Smokers has been brought to Menasha by People of Progression, in partnership with Community Action for Healthy Living.
“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring this meaningful and thought provoking national exhibit to Menasha,” said Kristen Kelly Executive Director of People of Progression. “The exhibition will help residents learn more about the tobacco industry’s predatory playbook, and promote advocacy that protects future generations from the harms of tobacco.”
The exhibition is being housed at People of Progression, 333 1st Street Ste. A, Menasha, WI 54952, from Dec. 15th through Jan. 31, 2025. People of Progression will be closed on Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Organizers also plan to host educational events related to the exhibit. People of Progression is a community-based organization dedicated to advancing social justice and equity for marginalized individuals and communities. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, they strive to create systemic change and promote inclusive and thriving communities
The exhibition was commissioned by the California-based African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC). Prior to its opening in Menasha, the Same Game Different Smokers was featured in Milwaukee, Beloit, Kenosha, and Fond Du Lac. The exhibit is touring the state under the leadership of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network, in partnership with Carol McGruder, co-founder and co-chair of the AATCLC and Bridges Diasporic Arts Director Tracy Brown. For more info visit SameGameWi.com.